[1]The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced today that free agent Minor League right-handed pitcher has received a 50-game suspension for his refusal to test, a violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

The suspension of Martinez will be effective immediately upon his signing with another Major League organization.

Source: MLB Media

NEW YORK (AP) — A free agent pitcher has been suspended for 50 games under the minor league drug program.

Right-hander Rafael Martinez was penalized Monday by the commissioner’s office. Martinez was banned after he refused to take a drug test.

The 24-year-old Martinez last pitched in 2011 for the San Francisco Giants’ system. He was 2-1 with a 7.53 ERA in the Class A Northwest League.

The penalty will take effect if Martinez signs with a big league organization.

There have been 102 suspensions this year under the minor league drug problem and seven suspensions under the major league program.